Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A line-of-sight operation apparatus comprising: a display screen; and at least one processor configured to: cause an icon having an animation image to be displayed on the display screen; detect a line-of-sight of a user; determine, on the basis of a result of detection performed by the processor, whether a movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows a movement of the animation image; acquire, as display characteristics of a surrounding region, at least any one of a movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern in display of a surrounding region of the icon or a surrounding region of the animation image; obtain display characteristics within a certain limitation based on the display characteristics of the surrounding region that have been acquired by the processor to determine display characteristics of the animation image; and an output part that outputs information indicating that the icon has been selected in the case where the processor determines that the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image, wherein the processor calculates a following level, on the basis of a movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user and a movement vector of the animation image, and determines whether the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image on the basis of the following level, wherein the movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user indicates a movement direction and a movement amount of the line-of-sight, wherein the movement vector of the animation image indicates a movement direction and a movement amount of the movement vector of the animation image, wherein the following level is calculated as a reciprocal of a difference between an evaluation value corresponding to the movement vector of the animation image and an evaluation value corresponding to the movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user, wherein the certain limitation is a case in which a limitation is provided by setting an evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a smaller value than that at a normal state, or a case in which a limitation is provided by setting the evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a larger value than that at the normal state, or a variable limitation in accordance with an operation scene, wherein the processor limits at least any one of the movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern of the animation image, and wherein the processor sets the certain limitation by performing display control of the animation image on the basis of the display characteristics of the animation image determined by the processor.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with a display screen by tracking eye movements. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting user intent when selecting icons or objects on a screen, particularly in environments where traditional input methods like touch or mouse are impractical. The apparatus includes a display screen and at least one processor that controls the display of an animated icon. The processor detects the user's line of sight and determines whether the user's gaze follows the movement of the animated icon. To improve detection accuracy, the system analyzes surrounding display characteristics such as movement, color, shape, or pattern in the regions around the icon or animation. These characteristics are used to adjust the animation's display properties, ensuring the animation stands out or behaves predictably. The processor calculates a "following level" by comparing movement vectors of the user's gaze and the animation, using a reciprocal of the difference between their evaluation values. If the user's gaze consistently follows the animation, the system outputs a selection signal. The animation's movement, color, shape, or pattern may be limited to improve tracking, either by reducing or increasing their evaluation values or by dynamically adjusting these parameters based on the operational context. This approach ensures reliable selection detection while minimizing false positives.
2. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor differentiates the movement of the animation image in accordance with a selection timing of the icon or a display content on the display screen.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with displayed content by dynamically adjusting animation movement based on user input. The apparatus includes a display screen that presents icons and other visual elements, along with a processor that controls the behavior of an animation image. The processor modifies the animation's movement in response to user interactions, such as selecting an icon or changes in displayed content. For example, the animation may accelerate, decelerate, or alter its path based on the timing of icon selection or the specific content shown on the screen. This dynamic adjustment improves user engagement by making the interface more responsive and intuitive. The apparatus may also include sensors or input devices to detect user actions, ensuring seamless integration with the animation system. The invention aims to solve the problem of static or inflexible animations in user interfaces, which can lead to poor usability and reduced user satisfaction. By adapting the animation in real-time, the apparatus provides a more personalized and interactive experience.
3. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the processor differentiates the movement of the animation image in accordance with a usage of the icon.
A line-of-sight operation apparatus is designed to enhance user interaction with graphical interfaces by tracking eye movements to control on-screen elements. The apparatus includes a display for presenting an animation image and an icon, along with a sensor to detect the user's line of sight. A processor analyzes the detected line of sight to determine the user's gaze direction and adjusts the animation image's movement based on the icon's usage. For example, if the icon represents a selectable object, the animation image may move dynamically to highlight or emphasize the icon when the user looks at it. The processor differentiates the animation's behavior depending on the icon's function, such as scrolling, selecting, or activating commands. This ensures intuitive and efficient interaction, reducing the need for physical input devices. The system improves accessibility and user experience by leveraging gaze tracking to streamline navigation and control in digital interfaces.
4. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor differentiates the movement of the animation image in accordance with a usage of the icon.
A line-of-sight operation apparatus is designed to enhance user interaction with graphical interfaces by tracking eye movements to control on-screen elements. The apparatus includes a display for presenting an animation image and an icon, along with a sensor to detect the user's line of sight. A processor analyzes the detected line of sight to determine the user's gaze direction and adjusts the animation image accordingly. The processor also differentiates the movement of the animation image based on the usage of the icon, ensuring that the animation responds dynamically to different interaction scenarios. This differentiation may involve varying the speed, direction, or style of the animation depending on whether the icon is being selected, hovered over, or ignored. The system improves user experience by providing intuitive and responsive visual feedback, reducing the need for manual input and making interfaces more accessible. The apparatus is particularly useful in applications requiring precise or rapid interactions, such as gaming, virtual reality, or assistive technologies.
5. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor causes a plurality of icons to be displayed on the display screen and differentiates movements of animation images in the plurality of icons.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to enhance user interaction by dynamically adjusting visual feedback based on gaze tracking. The apparatus includes a display screen, a gaze detection unit to track the user's line of sight, and a processor that processes the detected gaze data. The processor generates animation images within multiple icons displayed on the screen, where the movement of these animation images varies depending on the user's gaze direction or duration. For example, icons may exhibit different animation speeds, patterns, or effects when directly gazed at versus when viewed peripherally. This differentiation helps users quickly identify and select targets by providing intuitive visual feedback. The system may also adjust animation intensity or behavior based on gaze dwell time or movement patterns, improving usability in applications like virtual interfaces, augmented reality, or accessibility tools. The invention aims to solve the problem of inefficient or ambiguous target selection in gaze-based interaction systems by making visual responses more dynamic and context-aware.
6. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein a difference in the movements of the animation images is at least one of a difference in loci of the movements or a difference in speeds of the movements.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with a display by using animation images that respond to the user's gaze. The apparatus addresses the problem of conventional systems that lack intuitive and dynamic feedback mechanisms, making it difficult for users to accurately control or interact with displayed content based on their line of sight. The apparatus includes a display unit that presents animation images, a detection unit that tracks the user's line of sight, and a control unit that adjusts the animation images in response to detected gaze movements. The animation images are modified based on the user's gaze direction, creating a responsive and engaging interaction. Specifically, the apparatus introduces variations in the movement of the animation images, such as differences in the paths (loci) of their motion or differences in their speeds, to provide distinct visual feedback. These variations help users perceive and interpret the system's response to their gaze, improving usability and precision in line-of-sight operations. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as adjusting the animation images based on the user's gaze duration or integrating multiple animation images with coordinated movements to enhance the interaction experience. The overall system enables more natural and efficient control of displayed content through gaze-based input.
7. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor measures characteristics of the movement of the line-of-sight of the user for each user, and wherein the processor sets the movement of the animation image on the basis of a result of the measurement performed by the processor for each user.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with animated content by dynamically adjusting the movement of animation images based on individual user behavior. The apparatus addresses the problem of generic, one-size-fits-all animations that fail to engage users effectively, leading to reduced interaction and immersion. The apparatus includes a processor that tracks and measures the movement characteristics of a user's line-of-sight, such as speed, direction, and dwell time, for each individual user. By analyzing these measurements, the processor customizes the movement of animation images to align with the user's specific visual behavior. For example, if a user tends to follow animations quickly, the system may accelerate the animation's movement, while a slower user may experience smoother, more deliberate transitions. This personalization ensures that the animation responds intuitively to the user's natural gaze patterns, improving engagement and usability. The system may also incorporate additional features, such as detecting user fatigue or distraction by monitoring prolonged or erratic gaze patterns, and adjusting the animation accordingly to maintain attention. By tailoring animations to individual users, the apparatus provides a more immersive and responsive experience compared to static or universally applied animations. This approach is particularly useful in applications like virtual reality, gaming, or interactive displays where user engagement is critical.
8. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor causes a plurality of icons to be displayed on the display screen, and wherein the processor differentiates a length of a time of period for detection of the movement of the line-of-sight between the plurality of icons in the following determination.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with displayed icons by analyzing gaze movement. The apparatus addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and interpreting user intent when navigating between multiple icons on a display screen, particularly in scenarios where quick or ambiguous gaze shifts may occur. The system includes a processor that controls the display of multiple icons and differentiates the detection time period for line-of-sight movement between these icons. This differentiation allows the apparatus to adjust sensitivity or response thresholds based on the specific icon pairs being interacted with, improving accuracy in determining user selections. The processor may vary the detection time period to account for factors such as icon proximity, user behavior patterns, or environmental conditions, ensuring more reliable operation. By dynamically adapting the detection parameters, the apparatus minimizes false positives or missed inputs, enhancing the overall user experience in gaze-based interfaces. The technology is particularly useful in applications requiring precise and efficient line-of-sight interactions, such as medical devices, augmented reality systems, or accessibility tools.
9. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor causes a plurality of icons to be displayed on the display screen and causes the plurality of icons to be separated with each other by a certain distance or longer as displayed on the display screen.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to improve user interaction with displayed icons. The apparatus addresses the problem of accidental or unintended selection of icons when users interact with touchscreens or other input devices, particularly in environments where precise input is difficult, such as mobile devices or augmented reality interfaces. The apparatus includes a processor and a display screen that presents multiple icons. The processor ensures that these icons are displayed with a minimum separation distance between them, reducing the likelihood of unintended selections. This separation helps users more accurately target individual icons, enhancing usability and reducing errors. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as adjusting the separation distance dynamically based on user input or environmental conditions, to further optimize interaction accuracy. The invention is particularly useful in applications where precise input is critical, such as medical devices, industrial control systems, or augmented reality interfaces. By enforcing a minimum spacing between icons, the apparatus improves the reliability and efficiency of user interactions.
10. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor decreases visibility of a surrounding image, which is an image displayed around the icon, compared with visibility of the icon.
This invention relates to line-of-sight operation apparatuses, which are devices that display interactive icons in a user's field of view to enable intuitive control of electronic systems. The problem addressed is ensuring that displayed icons remain clearly visible and distinguishable from the surrounding environment, which can be cluttered or visually distracting. The invention improves upon prior art by dynamically adjusting the visibility of the surrounding image to enhance icon prominence. The apparatus includes a display unit that projects an icon into the user's field of view, allowing interaction through gaze or gesture. A processor controls the display to modify the visibility of the surrounding image—such as a real-world background or additional graphical elements—relative to the icon. Specifically, the processor reduces the visibility of the surrounding image compared to the icon, ensuring the icon remains the focal point. This may involve dimming, blurring, or otherwise attenuating the surrounding visual information while maintaining the icon's clarity. The adjustment can be based on environmental conditions, user preferences, or system requirements to optimize usability. By selectively reducing the visibility of non-essential visual elements, the invention minimizes distractions and improves the user's ability to quickly identify and interact with the icon. This is particularly useful in applications like augmented reality, heads-up displays, or medical imaging, where clear visual prioritization is critical. The solution enhances user experience by ensuring critical information stands out without overwhelming the user with extraneous details.
11. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor causes a movement of a surrounding image, which is an image displayed around the icon, to be stopped.
A line-of-sight operation apparatus is used in systems where a user interacts with a display by directing their gaze or line of sight to select or manipulate on-screen elements. A common challenge in such systems is ensuring accurate and stable interaction, especially when the user's gaze or head movements cause unintended shifts in the displayed content. This apparatus addresses this problem by incorporating a processor that controls the display of an icon and a surrounding image. The processor detects the user's line of sight and adjusts the position of the icon accordingly. To enhance stability, the processor can stop the movement of the surrounding image when necessary, preventing unintended shifts and improving interaction accuracy. This feature is particularly useful in applications where precise control is required, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, or medical imaging systems. The apparatus may also include additional features, such as adjusting the icon's position based on the user's gaze or head movements, ensuring that the interaction remains smooth and responsive. By stopping the surrounding image's movement, the system reduces visual distractions and improves the user's ability to focus on the task at hand.
12. The line-of-sight operation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the movement of the animation image is at least any one of a given rotation on the display screen, a movement on a line connecting two opposing sides on the display screen, a movement on a line connecting two opposing corners on the display screen, a given vibration on the display screen, a zigzag movement on the display screen, or a movement with a random locus.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus designed to enhance user interaction with a display screen by controlling the movement of an animation image. The apparatus addresses the challenge of improving user engagement and input accuracy by dynamically adjusting the animation image's motion to guide the user's gaze or input actions. The animation image can move in various predefined patterns, including rotation on the display screen, linear movement along a line connecting two opposing sides or corners, vibration, zigzag motion, or random path traversal. These movements help direct the user's attention or input toward specific areas of the screen, making the interface more intuitive and responsive. The apparatus is particularly useful in applications requiring precise visual guidance, such as touchscreen interfaces, augmented reality displays, or interactive kiosks. By providing flexible and adaptable animation movements, the invention ensures that the user's line of sight is effectively managed, reducing errors and improving overall usability. The system can be integrated into various devices where visual feedback and guided interaction are essential.
13. A medical device comprising: a line-of-sight operation apparatus that comprises: a display screen; and at least one processor configured to: cause an icon having an animation image to be displayed on the display screen; detect a line-of-sight of a user; determine, on the basis of a result of detection performed by the processor, whether a movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows a movement of the animation image; acquire, as display characteristics of a surrounding region, at least any one of a movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern in display of a surrounding region of the icon or a surrounding region of the animation image; obtain display characteristics within a certain limitation based on the display characteristics of the surrounding region that have been acquired by the processor to determine display characteristics of the animation image; and an output part that outputs information indicating that the icon has been selected in the case where the processor determines that the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image, wherein the processor calculates a following level, on the basis of a movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user and a movement vector of the animation image, and determines whether the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image on the basis of the following level, wherein the movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user indicates a movement direction and a movement amount of the line-of-sight, wherein the movement vector of the animation image indicates a movement direction and a movement amount of the movement vector of the animation image, wherein the following level is calculated as a reciprocal of a difference between an evaluation value corresponding to the movement vector of the animation image and an evaluation value corresponding to the movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user, wherein the certain limitation is a case in which a limitation is provided by setting an evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a smaller value than that at a normal state, or a case in which a limitation is provided by setting the evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a larger value than that at the normal state, or a variable limitation in accordance with an operation scene, wherein the processor limits at least any one of the movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern of the animation image, wherein the processor sets the certain limitation by performing display control of the animation image on the basis of the display characteristics of the animation image determined by the processor, and wherein the medical device performs a process for a medical service in accordance with information that is output from the output part.
A medical device includes a line-of-sight operation apparatus with a display screen and at least one processor. The processor causes an icon with an animated image to be displayed on the screen and detects the user's line-of-sight. It determines whether the user's line-of-sight movement follows the animation's movement by comparing their respective movement vectors, which include direction and magnitude. The processor calculates a following level as the reciprocal of the difference between evaluation values of the animation's and the user's movement vectors. If the movement follows the animation, the device outputs a selection signal for the icon. The processor also acquires display characteristics of the surrounding region of the icon or animation, such as movement, color, shape, or pattern, and uses these to determine the animation's display characteristics within certain limitations. These limitations may involve setting the animation's evaluation value lower or higher than normal or adjusting based on the operational context. The processor then controls the animation's display accordingly. The medical device performs medical services based on the output selection information. This system enables hands-free interaction by tracking eye movements, ensuring accurate input even in dynamic display environments. The adaptive display characteristics improve usability in medical applications where precision and reliability are critical.
14. A line-of-sight operation method of a line-of-sight operation apparatus, the line-of-sight operation apparatus comprising: a display screen; and at least one processor configured to: cause an icon having an animation image to be displayed on the display screen; detect a line-of-sight of a user; determine, on the basis of a result of detection performed by the processor, whether a movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows a movement of the animation image; acquire, as display characteristics of a surrounding region, at least any one of a movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern in display of a surrounding region of the icon or a surrounding region of the animation image; obtain display characteristics within a certain limitation based on the display characteristics of the surrounding region that have been acquired by the processor to determine display characteristics of the animation image; and an output part that outputs information indicating that the icon has been selected in the case where the processor determines that the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image, wherein the processor calculates a following level, on the basis of a movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user and a movement vector of the animation image, and determines whether the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image on the basis of the following level, wherein the movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user indicates a movement direction and a movement amount of the line-of-sight, wherein the movement vector of the animation image indicates a movement direction and a movement amount of the movement vector of the animation image, wherein the following level is calculated as a reciprocal of a difference between an evaluation value corresponding to the movement vector of the animation image and an evaluation value corresponding to the movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user, wherein the certain limitation is a case in which a limitation is provided by setting an evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a smaller value than that at a normal state, or a case in which a limitation is provided by setting the evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a larger value than that at the normal state, or a variable limitation in accordance with an operation scene, wherein the processor limits at least any one of the movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern of the animation image, and wherein the processor sets the certain limitation by performing display control of the animation image on the basis of the display characteristics of the animation image determined by the processor, the line-of-sight operation method comprising: a step of causing the icon having the animation image to be displayed on the display screen; a step of detecting the line-of-sight of the user; a step of determining, on the basis of the result of detection of the line-of-sight of the user, whether the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image; and a step of outputting information indicating that the icon has been selected in the case where it is determined that the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation method for an apparatus that enables user interaction through eye-tracking technology. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and interpreting user intent based on gaze movement, particularly in environments where visual distractions or surrounding display characteristics may interfere with precise tracking. The apparatus includes a display screen and a processor that controls the display of an icon with an animated image. The processor detects the user's line of sight and determines whether the user's gaze movement follows the animation's movement. To enhance accuracy, the system acquires display characteristics of the surrounding region, such as movement, color, shape, or pattern, and adjusts the animation's display characteristics accordingly. The processor calculates a following level by comparing movement vectors of the user's gaze and the animation, using a reciprocal of the difference between their evaluation values. The animation's display characteristics are limited based on predefined constraints, which may involve reducing or increasing evaluation values or dynamically adjusting them based on the operational context. The processor then controls the animation's display and outputs a selection signal if the user's gaze follows the animation. This method improves the reliability of line-of-sight-based interactions by accounting for environmental factors and optimizing animation behavior.
15. A line-of-sight operation apparatus comprising: a display screen; and at least one processor configured to: cause an icon having an animation image to be displayed on the display screen; detect a line-of-sight of a user; determine, on the basis of a result of detection performed by the processor, whether a movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows a movement of the animation image; acquire, as display characteristics of a surrounding region, at least any one of a movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern in display of a surrounding region of the icon or a surrounding region of the animation image; obtain display characteristics within a certain limitation based on the display characteristics of the surrounding region that have been acquired by the processor to determine display characteristics of the animation image; and an output part that outputs information indicating that the icon has been selected in the case where the processor determines that the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image, wherein the processor calculates a following level, on the basis of a movement vector of the line-of-sight of the user and a movement vector of the animation image, and determines whether the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image on the basis of the following level, wherein the processor determines that the movement of the line-of-sight of the user follows the movement of the animation image in a case where the following level is higher than or equal to a threshold value, wherein the certain limitation is a case in which a limitation is provided by setting an evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a smaller value than that at a normal state, or a case in which a limitation is provided by setting the evaluation value of the display characteristics of the animation image to a larger value than that at the normal state, or a variable limitation in accordance with an operation scene, wherein the processor limits at least any one of the movement, a color, a shape, or a pattern of the animation image, wherein the processor sets the certain limitation by performing display control of the animation image on the basis of the display characteristics of the animation image determined by the processor.
This invention relates to a line-of-sight operation apparatus that enables user interaction with a display screen based on eye movement tracking. The apparatus addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and interpreting user intent through gaze tracking, particularly in environments where visual distractions or surrounding display elements may interfere with precise selection of on-screen icons. The apparatus includes a display screen and at least one processor that controls the display and processes eye-tracking data. An animated icon is displayed on the screen, and the processor detects the user's line of sight to determine if their gaze follows the animation's movement. The system calculates a following level by comparing the movement vectors of the user's gaze and the animation, selecting the icon if the following level exceeds a threshold. To enhance accuracy, the processor analyzes display characteristics of the surrounding region, such as movement, color, shape, or pattern, and adjusts the animation's display characteristics accordingly. These adjustments may include limiting or enhancing certain visual properties (e.g., reducing contrast or altering motion) to improve detection reliability. The limitations can be static (e.g., fixed reduced contrast) or dynamic (e.g., scene-dependent adjustments). The processor then controls the animation's display based on these refined characteristics, ensuring robust selection even in complex visual environments.
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August 18, 2020
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